Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Stabilizing Hepatocellular Phenotype Using Optimized Synthetic Surfaces
Published on: September 26, 2014
Selective Degradation of Polyurethanes in Mixed Plastic Wastes via Ir-Catalyzed Hydrogenolysis
Yuto Yamada1, Takanori Iwasaki2, Shinji Tanaka3
1Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
Chemical recycling of plastic waste has been widely undertaken to address a circular carbon economy. However, the presence of different polymers or composites in plastic waste complicates its chemical degradation into reusable chemical feedstocks. Here, we report the selective degradation of polyurethanes in mixed plastics with polyesters and polyamides using H2 as a reactant, contrarily to the implicitly low reactivity of urethanes against esters and amides. This chemoselectivity enables selective chemical recycling of urethanes in mixed textiles and end-of-life car seats, while thermoplastic polyesters and polyamides can be separated for mechanical recycling. This innovative recycling approach facilitates composite separation and resource circulation in mixed plastic waste, addressing a pressing global concern.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Microbial Bioremediation of Plastics
Bioplastics
Free-Radical Chain Reaction and Polymerization of Alkenes
Reduction of Alkynes to cis-Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Like alkenes, alkynes can be reduced to alkanes in the presence of transition metal catalysts such as Pt, Pd, or Ni. The reaction involves two sequential syn additions of hydrogen via a cis-alkene intermediate.
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the surface of...

